Annie Ilonzeh, Tyler Lepley, and Mike Merrill have been set to star in Loving Venus, a new psychological thriller from executive producer Manny Halley and his Manny Halley Productions banner, a division of Imani Media Group.
The film centers on Venus (Ilonzeh), a woman attempting to rebuild her life after trauma by relocating to a new city and reconnecting with her best friend, Stephanie (Sydney Mitchell). As Venus seeks stability, she becomes romantically involved with Carter James (Lepley), a charming businessman whose promise of safety and belonging feels like the fresh start she’s been searching for.
However, that sense of security begins to unravel when unresolved trauma resurfaces through Shango (Merrill), a figure deeply connected to Venus’ past and her survival instincts. As past and present collide, Venus’ grasp on reality begins to fracture, forcing her to confront the emotional cost of survival—and what happens when the part of you that once kept you alive refuses to let go.
The cast also includes Cassandra Freeman and Tobias Truvillion.
Jamal Hill is directing from a screenplay he co-wrote with Jay Rene, with Rodney Turner II producing alongside Halley. Loving Venus is a California Film & Television Tax Credit Program project and is currently being shopped to distributors.
“We were intentional about assembling a cast that could bring real emotional weight, vulnerability, and edge to the characters in this twisted tale,” Halley said. “With Jamal at the helm and a sharp script penned by Jay, we’re excited to bring audiences an elevated thriller that feels fresh and uncomfortably relatable.”
Imani Media Group most recently produced Aftershock: The Nicole P. Bell Story, which opened in theaters nationwide in November 2025 and is now available on major digital platforms.